[Badhobz]

Last year i did a fun little drive from Vancouver to SF along the coast in early may. I had a great time by myself with the SC430 so this year im looking to do something similar again

Destinations suggestions?

I was thinking maybe Banff or Jasper w/ a follow up to Calgary

That or maybe a trip down south again, but going to Montana via Spokane (never been that direction before)

You guys planning any big drives?

[whitev70r]

Just Jin Jang in East Burnaby, Crystal Mall food court (one at the way back), Admiralty Center in Richmond (2 stops) ... in the convertible.

[MG1]

I did the road trip to New York from Spokane , up to Nova Scotia, then across. Took I-90 across the US of A. Hit all major US cities along the way. Biggest regret, not driving Route 66. Trans Canada back was boring as fuck. 4-1/2 weeks on the road with two kids. I was the only driver. KOA saved me some money.

[Traum]

I was thinking maybe Banff or Jasper w/ a follow up to Calgary
We went to Kelowna for the May long weekend one year, and on our pay to Merrit or Kamloops, we came across some freak snowy conditions for a good stretch of the drive. It totally took us by surprise, so watch out for those mountain weather conditions if you are heading that way.

Just Jin Jang in East Burnaby, Crystal Mall food court (one at the way back), Admiralty Center in Richmond (2 stops) ... in the convertible.
Funny how I just did almost exactly that yesterday. Crystal Mall Burnaby -- Admiralty Center Richmond, then Richmond Costco. Was gonna do a XLB comparo myself but Long just closed down for 2 weeks starting yesterday! And then Hao Chi Lai forgot to give me dark vinegar. FailFish

At least Costco had lots of free food samples to try. :alonehappy:

[bcrdukes]

Not really a road trip but the plan is to hit up a track day at The Ridge Motorsport Park in Washington and Area 27 in Osoyoos from Vancouver in the Boxster.

Later this summer, pending timing/scheduling, my wife and I are planning to do a road trip in the Corolla iM to the Maritimes from Toronto, and perhaps a loop into the US East Coast , and back into Toronto via Buffalo, NY.

[Badhobz]

It totally took us by surprise, so watch out for those mountain weather conditions if you are heading that way.


Funny how I just did almost exactly that yesterday. Crystal Mall Burnaby -- Admiralty Center Richmond, then Richmond Costco. Was gonna do a XLB comparo myself but Long just closed down for 2 weeks starting yesterday! And then Hao Chi Lai forgot to give me dark vinegar. FailFish

Ohh thanks for the heads up on the weather. Yes, might have those freak snow storms out of no where in dem mountain passes. I like April/May because there isnt too many mosquitoes just yet. I cant stand those fuckers.

I was going to stop by Mt Robson (the tallest mountain in bc i believe) as they have this gorgeous looking glacier lake (berg lake trail) & waterfall
https://ridgelineguiding.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/image1-4.jpg
https://inafarawayland.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/3062.jpg

I wonder if there's a choppah to get to this lake? i dont feel like hiking for 2 days to reach it.

so how was the XLBS at Hao Chi Lai?

[whitev70r]

Funny how I just did almost exactly that yesterday. Crystal Mall Burnaby -- Admiralty Center Richmond, then Richmond Costco. Was gonna do a XLB comparo myself but Long just closed down for 2 weeks starting yesterday! And then Hao Chi Lai forgot to give me dark vinegar. FailFish


On a weekend (Sat or Sun), that is a road trip ... prob took you >3 hours of driving there and back.

[bcrdukes]

RS Roadtrip to Hao Chi Lai? :suspicious:

[Badhobz]

https://globalnews.ca/news/5757361/chinese-tourist-drowns-mt-robson/

Awww fuck, remind me not to get too close to any water features

https://thebanffblog.com/berg-lake-trail/

What a gorgeous trail
https://thebanffblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Berg-Lake-Trail-0--scaled.jpeg

[murd0c]

Vancouver island, hit up Port Hardy, Tofino, Ucluelet and around. Take the Port Hardy Ferry to Prince Rupert.

[donk.]

BicBaws has entered the conversation

[noclue]

Some road trips I've done for ideas, I either drove from Vancouver or flew down and rented a car:

The drive to yellowstone national park, stay at the yellowstone lodge is pretty decent, just hope the bison don't hit your car. Make your way back by going north to glacier national park and cross over to alberta or the kootenays.

California route 1 from San Francisco to LA, one of the best. Or inland California like yosemite, sequoia, lake tahoe or death valley.

Oregon coast is fantastic as well.

Driving around utah, particularly southern utah/northern arizona like moab, bryce canyon, zion national park, antelope canyon, grand canyon is spectacular

Head east from portland up the columbia river gorge is beautiful as well.

Drove from Toronto to Muskoka then Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec city, Moncton, PEI, Halifax is fun, lots of unique things to see and the lobster suppers.

[68style]

Going to Spokane and then to Montana is fun, I did that pre-covid... there's a great little train museum on the way to Spokane, Cascade mountains is a fun drive and there's a little town called Winthrop that's all done up like an old western town. Even Spokane had some interesting scenery, I remember walking along a river and there's a hydro dam with some pretty spectacular views of the water rushing through it... and weirdly enough there was a DeLorean convention in town at that time hahaha... I saw like 30 DeLoreans in 1 evening in downtown

[Traum]

so how was the XLBS at Hao Chi Lai?
I like my XLB to be almost piping hot, so the extra trip to HCL (to get the missing dark vinegar) and back to the table meant they had cooled just a bit too much for my likings. FailFish

And then my damn kid ate 3 of them, so my wife only had 1 out of the six.

I think I noticed how the XLB from HCL is different from Long's. The HCL XLB are a little bigger. The meat isn't as paste-y and more loose once I start chewing -- the meat portion just kind of breaks apart into tinier pieces. Whereas the Long's XLB seem more sticky / paste-y, and holds together more. My guess is, the meat paste that HCL uses is more lean, but the Long's stuff doesn't feel fatty / oily either.

The HCL XLBs also have a lighter taste. I think Long's ones have a slightly stronger taste.

100% agree though that HCL has the better vinegar.

[Badhobz]

Murdoc's route is pretty epic. That ferry from Port Hardy To Prince Ru Ru is like 16h!!!!

thats very neat. I wonder if i can get Spy Balloon to come on this ghetto drive-a-thon

We've never been to Tofino so that would be the first stop, and then that drive up to Port Hardy seems epic. Top it off with a 16h ferry ride, and then driving back from Rupert to Vancouver (thats a boring ass drive im sure)

[underscore]

I was thinking maybe Banff or Jasper w/ a follow up to Calgary

How direct of a route do you want to take? I don't like the Coq so on the way there I'd maybe add Hope > Spences Bridge > Merritt. The first bit for pulls through the tunnels and the second bit because Hwy 8 is really fun. Then I'd take 5A to Princeton and 3 to Hope on the way back. Half the time I can do that quicker than the Coq would've been because there's less climbing + easier to drive quickly + less likely some dumbass gets the road closed.

If you want to go really out of the way Vernon to Nakusp is a great drive. And if you want to go really really out of the way New Denver to Kaslo is great too.

I wonder if there's a choppah to get to this lake? i dont feel like hiking for 2 days to reach it.

Pretty sure there is, some relatives hiked it a few years ago and mentioned a guy who helo'd in.

[JDMDreams]

I kinda want to do a Banff Calgary trip too but not sure how many days I should allocate. USD is too $$ for our shitty yuan

[Badhobz]

aye true. might be better to stay local and support our own economy. Underscore's got some pretty epic routes i need to check out. I love these little off the main road, no where places.

Ideally with some old timey ghost towns / historical places that have mildy racist names like China Bar, or something and ill be in hobz heaven

[roastpuff]

We've never been to Tofino so that would be the first stop, and then that drive up to Port Hardy seems epic. Top it off with a 16h ferry ride, and then driving back from Rupert to Vancouver (thats a boring ass drive im sure)

The drive from Prince Rupert to Prince George is pretty nice. The drive from Prince George to Vancouver is the boring part.

I was going to suggest a road trip to Prince Rupert/Haida Gwaii, the drive into Rupert is absolutely gorgeous IMO.

Haida Gwaii is on the to go list for me.

[Badhobz]

i drove from PR to PG before, its along the lake and gorgeous

I had to do it when i was up in PR for CN rail's port celebration and they magically closed down the PR airport due to smoke from forest fire. Nothing was flying out so i had to rent a car and drive to PG to catch the next flight. Good times

[CivicBlues]

During COVID we did a road trip Vancouver > Kamloops > Wells Gray Park > Valemount (Mt. Robson) > Jasper > Banff > Nelson > Cranbrook> Osoyoos > Vancouver

Took about 2 weeks, it was pretty epic one of my favorite trips and it was right in our backyard. Helped that it was pretty empty in September 2020 and we had a deal to stay at the Fairmont Lake Louise which had a view over the lake and went canoeing before everyone else arrived.

https://i.imgur.com/4tPPaWM.jpeg
https://i.imgur.com/cN6iyWr.jpeg

Now apparently it's a shitshow.

Jasper was pretty awesome as well. Really chill and relaxing. Only crowds were the massive Filipino families with their delcious smelling picnics/BBQs
https://i.imgur.com/p13A0lq.jpeg

Wells Gray had Helmcken Falls, which was pretty cool:
https://i.imgur.com/wYKxFdN.jpeg

Mt Robson we just looked at from the Visitors Centre, there was perpetually a cloud over it.
https://i.imgur.com/IOt4jek.jpg

Nelson was a pretty cool town to spend a few days in. Osoyoos was alright, the 2020 wildfire smoke started coming in and we had to cut our trip short to avoid too much smoke inhalation.

[underscore]

Ideally with some old timey ghost towns / historical places that have mildy racist names like China Bar, or something and ill be in hobz heaven

You might like Barkerville if you're ever out near Quesnel for some reason. It's an old gold-rush era ghost town with actors and stuff.

Kaslo also has some interesting history from the Japanese internment there in WWII.

I really want to try to at least get some day trips in this spring if I can get my stupid car to behave for 5 minutes.

[noclue]

Anyone drove to Alaska? I looked at the ferry from Bellingham but it takes almost a week and costs $5K USD one way

[CivicBlues]

During the next COVID year during the heatwave of 2021 we did another BC road trip and hit up Mayne Island > Pender Island > Victoria > up the Malahat > then over to Salt Spring Island and back to Vancouver. Took about 9 days.

Even though it was Hot AF, who knew one of the hottest trips we ever took would be in BC, we saw som epic sunsets.

Kinsol Trestle on Vancouver Island was pretty cool,
https://i.imgur.com/2Q5kzxj.jpeg

[BIC_BAWS]

BicBaws has entered the conversation

Hobz and Roastpuff already know about this... but for everyone else.. I asked ChatGPT to build me a route from Vancouver to SF/LA- round trip 9 Days LOL.

It's not perfect and weirdly enough it doesn't account for days I stay in certain places / commute time (ofc) so it's not entirely realistic.


Day 1: Vancouver, Canada to Crescent City, California


Depart Vancouver early in the morning and head south on Highway 99 towards the US border.
Cross into the US and continue south on Interstate 5 (I-5) towards Crescent City, California.
Enjoy the scenic coastal route along Chuckanut Drive (State Route 11) near Bellingham, Washington.
Continue on I-5, passing through Olympia and Centralia.
Take Highway 101 towards Aberdeen and the Olympic Peninsula, following the coastal route.
Cross into Oregon and continue south on Highway 101 along the Oregon coast.
Drive for approximately 10-13 hours with breaks and rest stops included.
Overnight stay in Crescent City.


Day 2: Crescent City, California to Thunderhill Raceway Park (Willows, California)


Depart Crescent City early in the morning and head south on Highway 101 towards Willows, California.
Arrive at Thunderhill Raceway Park and spend the day enjoying the track experience, watching racing events, or participating in track days.
Overnight stay near Thunderhill Raceway Park.


Day 3: Thunderhill Raceway Park (Willows, California) to San Francisco, California


Depart Thunderhill Raceway Park in the morning and head south on Interstate 5 (I-5) towards San Francisco, California.
Drive for approximately 3-4 hours to reach San Francisco.
Explore San Francisco, visiting attractions such as Lombard Street, San Francisco Auto Salon, Alcatraz Island, and more.
Overnight stay in San Francisco.


Day 4: San Francisco, California


Spend the day exploring more of San Francisco's attractions, such as Golden Gate Park, Fisherman's Wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Palace of Fine Arts.
Visit additional automotive-related attractions if desired, such as the Cable Car Museum or the California Academy of Sciences.
Enjoy the city's dining and nightlife scene.
Overnight stay in San Francisco.

Day 5: San Francisco, California to Los Angeles, California via Malibu Highway (State Route 1)



Depart San Francisco early in the morning and head south on Interstate 5 (I-5) towards Malibu.
Take the Malibu Highway (State Route 1) along the coast, enjoying the scenic drive through Malibu.
Stop at Neptune's Net for a seafood lunch and to soak in the ocean views.
Continue driving north on Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) towards San Francisco.
Enjoy the scenic views along the coastline, passing through coastal towns and landmarks.
Drive for approximately 6-8 hours with breaks and rest stops included.
Overnight stay in Los Angeles.


Day 6: Los Angeles, California


Explore the LA Canyons, such as Mulholland Drive, Angeles Crest Highway, or Topanga Canyon, for scenic drives and breathtaking views.
Visit automotive-related attractions in Los Angeles, including the Petersen Automotive Museum, Automobile Driving Museum, and Nethercutt Collection.
Overnight stay in Los Angeles.


Day 7: Los Angeles, California to San Francisco, California


Depart Los Angeles early in the morning and head north on Interstate 5 (I-5) towards San Francisco, California.
Take a detour along Malibu Highway (State Route 1) for a scenic drive through Malibu, enjoying the coastal views.
Stop at Neptune's Net for a seafood lunch.
Continue driving north on Highway 1 (Pacific Coast Highway) towards San Francisco.
Enjoy the scenic views along the coastline, passing through coastal towns and landmarks.
Drive for approximately 6-8 hours with breaks and rest stops included.
Overnight stay in San Francisco.


Day 8: San Francisco, California to Portland, Oregon


Depart San Francisco early in the morning and head north towards Portland, Oregon.
Drive for approximately 10-12 hours with breaks and rest stops included.
Visit Pittock Mansion upon arrival in Portland.
After Pittock Mansion, visit World of Speed USA to explore the museum.
Overnight stay in Portland.


Day 9: Portland, Oregon to Vancouver, Canada


Depart Portland early in the morning and head north towards Vancouver, Canada.
Drive for approximately 5-6 hours with breaks and rest stops included.
Cross the US-Canada border and return to Vancouver, completing the round trip.


This itinerary offers a mix of scenic coastal drives, track experiences, visits to automotive-related attractions, and detours along Malibu Highway for a memorable road trip experience. Let me know if you need any further adjustments!


Last year i did a fun little drive from Vancouver to SF along the coast in early may. I had a great time by myself with the SC430 so this year im looking to do something similar again

Destinations suggestions?

I was thinking maybe Banff or Jasper w/ a follow up to Calgary

That or maybe a trip down south again, but going to Montana via Spokane (never been that direction before)

You guys planning any big drives?

I did Vancouver - Nelson | Nelson surrounding areas | Nelson - Vancouver last summer. It was great! Only thing is we started the trip at the begining of a forest fire. Was in a forest fire and left Nelson by driving eeriely close to a forest fire LOL.

Day 1: Vancouver to Nelson via Crowsnest. We detoured to Coalmont and Tulameen. One road towns that look like the Wild, Wild West. I guess the gold panning would have been in that area anyway. We continued along Crowsnest
with a stop in Keremeos for some fruit and Greenwood for some coffee. Stopped again in Castlegar for some groceries and other things. Our Airbnb was outside of Nelson so we stopped there before heading to dinner in Nelson at Broken Hill. Best smokehouse I've ever had tbh. The fries in pork belly fat were delicious.

Day 2: We did a loop around the lake / Nelson area. Drove to Belfour Ferry. Took it to Crawford Bay. Went down 3A -> Crowsnest until Salmo. I took a break at a quarry in Wynndel for some "off the beaten path" pics. In Salmo we went to the hotel that burned down and the bar next door had some great pepperoni sticks. Headed back into town (Nelson) to have dinner at an Marzano, a Italian restaurant.

Day 3: Nelson to Rossland via 3A for some coffee. Great European places out there. Detoured via Trail and blasted some country music (because I had no reception). What a fitting genre for straight roads of just farms and fields. Went up 3B to Greenwood for coffee again. And then book it home to get away from the forest fire.

[Hondaracer]

Anyone drove to Alaska? I looked at the ferry from Bellingham but it takes almost a week and costs $5K USD one way

lol these YouTubers we watch took that ferry, fucking idiots didn’t look into it beforehand. If you don’t book a room you have to sleep on the fucking deck because you can’t stay in your vehicle.

5 days in a tent on the deck of a ship going up the inside passage ffs..

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=okBRDDePY60&pp=ygUhRmVycnkgdG8gYWxhc2thIGVuZGxlc3MgYWR2ZW50dXJ l

[HonestTea]

Semi off-topic

Would you guys rather spend a couple of days in Tofino or Banff (Lake Louise etc)?

[68style]

Tofino, Banff is a tourist trap

[underscore]

lol these YouTubers we watch took that ferry, fucking idiots didn’t look into it beforehand. If you don’t book a room you have to sleep on the fucking deck because you can’t stay in your vehicle.

5 days in a tent on the deck of a ship going up the inside passage ffs..

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=okBRDDePY60&pp=ygUhRmVycnkgdG8gYWxhc2thIGVuZGxlc3MgYWR2ZW50dXJ l

It's definitely dumb not to check but why is it even possible to book your car without booking a room if you can't stay in the car?

[Hondaracer]

It's definitely dumb not to check but why is it even possible to book your car without booking a room if you can't stay in the car?

Because you can stay on the deck! WutFace

Some people in the video didn’t even have a fucking tent, they posted up in a blanket on the deck chairs ffs

[CivicBlues]

Semi off-topic

Would you guys rather spend a couple of days in Tofino or Banff (Lake Louise etc)?

Is Jasper an option?

Been to both in the off-season Tofino in November, Banff during COVID.

Can't really compare they're totally different. That's like asking, should I go vacation in Hawaii or Switzerland?

That being said, Banff I think is way more photogenic and colourful. There's nothing like the grey-hulking masses of the Rockies contrasted with the turquoise blue waters of the lakes. Even though it can get super crowded you can go elsewhere and be completely alone.

Tofino really just felt like a sleepy town, but the beaches are cool however the water is still the same greyish-brown you see everywhere around here so you really don't get that feeling of "wow this place is nothing like home"

Go to both, but obvs. Tofino is way closer and easier to just spend a couple days if that's all you have.

[JDMDreams]

Tofino is a tourist trap too. Everything is $$$ and very small selection of restaurants, accommodations to choose from. $500 a night to stay on a shitty island?

I went during storm season to look at the storm I recall it was like around $400 a night few years back, gets dark at 3 pm, raining, windy, cold. A lot of restaurants were closed for the season, so there's pretty much nothing to do.

Unless you camp or can car camp for free. Would not recommend the hotel prices. There's nothing to do, just walk on beaches in the cold wet wind.

[68style]

^ I mean, anywhere you go is bound to be dark and depressing that's kind of your thing

[murd0c]

Tofino might be a tourist trap as well but at least it's not packed wall to wall with people like Banff is. Tofino is way more peaceful compared to Banff.

[CivicBlues]

Banff is at a crossroads. Even if it's too touristy you can go to Lake Louise, Icefields Kananaskis, Canmore, Calgary, Jasper, etc. in a couple of hours.

Tofino is literally at the end of the road. The only other place you can go is Uclulet. A couple years ago weren't they literally cut off from the rest of the world due to a landslide?

[murd0c]

Landslides, fires, same thing with Banff really. There is only 1 #1 highway.

[6793026]

Love Tofino while expectations has to change too.

Lack of fine dining, things to do are limited and if you are to wanting to party hard.. go elsewhere. Teens often want ABCDE but don't realize we are not metro Van.

We had a great time hiking and surfing and just chilling. Yes you do need to book early as my buddies were mocked on the phone calling around May / June "you're booking for July 2023... ahhahahah. We were booked since last summer."

[Hondaracer]

From the sounds of all this might as well get on a plane and go somewhere

[CivicBlues]

Landslides, fires, same thing with Banff really. There is only 1 #1 highway.

There's highway 1A and 93 for the National park. But if you're talking about Banff the town then yes its only one road. However being the Trans Canada you can bet you'll get much more through traffic and attention if it ever gets blocked.

[noclue]

I found oregon coast/washington coast to be almost as beautiful and cheaper than tofino as you don't have to deal with the ferry + cheap gas.

[Hehe]

Nothing planned so far. But I want to add my 0.02.

If you are going to Lake Louise, find LL ski gift cards from Costco. It’s got a code for cheap Chateau LL room. I think something like half price for lake view Junior suite. Then sell the GC if you don’t ever plan to ski at LL. It’s already cheaper by just using that code even if you don’t use the GC.

Then the drive there, if time is not an absolute concern, I suggest take HWY3 when you get to Hope, then HWY5A from Princeton. It’s beautiful in all 4 seasons I’ve driven there and a lot of fruit stands along the way. The floating through the canal is a must do in Penticton. A great way to kill 3hrs and if you are with kids, they would love it. My kids have been there 3 times and they have not gotten tired of that yet. This whole route is EV friendly. So any car can make this trip with 0 planning.

From there, Kelowna, 97A and back to TransCan.

Alternatively, if you don’t want LL/Banff you can head south, pass Spokane (beautiful in summer btw) and go to Silverwood Theme Park if you are with kids. It’s a theme park without any of the crazy markup BS. Everything is quite decent and price for… say a meal, is no different than what you would pay outside of park. But remember to buy tix in advance and get there early.

Last year, we did that drive and then head to Yellowstone. And again, Tesla friendly route and MT is a no sales tax state.

Some of our friends didn’t go to Yellowstone with us. They drove back from there and I told them to take hwy 20 through the North Cascades National park. The most beautiful drive in WA and only possible in summer as it’s closed in winter due to constant heavy snow.

[twitchyzero]

hobz, i believe berg lake a good chunk of the trail will still be closed (since like few years ago)

[Badhobz]

Really ? Awww… what a gorgeous trail. If i wasn’t such a lazy fat fuck I’d totally go hike it.

[donk.]

The only thing a closed trail means, is that you will be the only one taking selfies at the top :thumbs:

[underscore]

The floating through the canal is a must do in Penticton. A great way to kill 3hrs and if you are with kids, they would love it. My kids have been there 3 times and they have not gotten tired of that yet.

If you're in Penticton with kids (or without them) pop to Tickleberries ice cream in Okanagan Falls. It's only 15-20 mins each way and they have a crazy number of flavours. The sizes are huge so take a look at what other people are ordering for an idea. Take Eastside Road on the east side of the lake (obvs) as it's a lot nicer than 97. There's also Kartplex at Area 27 for some karting in Oliver that's another 20 min south (book online in advance). A fun day is take the back roads west of 97 from Penticton to Oliver, go karting, grab ice cream, take the back road to Pencticton, float the channel.

The channel is all public property btw, some companies operate along it but you can bring your own stuff and do it all for free. Stop at the sand bar by the gas station partway down and tell me if Native Elvis still sings there. Pay attention to the signs at the end, if you miss the stairs just float past the bridge and once you're safely in the lake paddle over to the beach. Don't panic and think you're off to OK Falls lol.

If you want wineries the densest grouping of them I've ever seen in my life is on the road between Penticton and Naramata.

If you need to get to Kelowna and you're bored of 97, Chute Lake Road is gravel but well maintained, anything crossover sized and up should be fine during the summer. Do not take it if you're going all the way to Kelowna in the winter as the last section before you get to Kelowna gets very icy and dicey and people get stuck in the ditch a lot.

Lastly if you're going to Big White from Penticton you can take the 201 and save a lot of time. It's technically a forestry road but it's always immaculately plowed and maintained because it's heavily used. We drove it every weekend to go skiing when I was a kid.

Both of those roads are technically in the bush so be smart about it but people drive minivans and cars on them all the time. I've been down the 201 in my Celica in the winter but I wouldn't take anything quite that low to Chute Lake.

That's more than I was planning to write but if anyones looking for back roads or 4x4 trails around here lmk.

[Hondaracer]

If you’re interested in wine touring in Penticton/Osooys/Oliver I’ve got the best itinerary

Well versed in the wineries have probably done 30+ (vast majority are garbage) over the last 5-7 years

[Badhobz]

i got a drunk coming in may from hong kong. Im pretty sure shes gonna wanna do a wine tour of the region.

[Hondaracer]

I’ll write out a basic overview when I get home, my tour includes virtually all the “best” wineries the Okanagan has to offer and they are all in a line with a few excellent lunch spots in the middle, ideally you have someone drive you but you can start or end in either penticton or Osoyoos

[Badhobz]

I don’t drink so that’ll be me. But spy balloon and HK drunk will enjoy this. I’ll just enjoy the scenery

[JDMDreams]

Yes, enjoy the local summer scenery:ifyouknow::ifyouknow::megusta::joy:

[Hondaracer]

https://i.imgur.com/4UX9oBb.png

Here’s the play imo.. so Inkaneep is a skipable portion but it’s a good book end if you’re finding in Osoyoos OR it’s a nice spot for a light brunch bite before drinking a bunch of wine. My personal itinerary id take anyone going to the OK for wine is (in either direction) this is starting in Osoyoos

NK’MIP cellars (wine and pretty good food to start or end)

Phantom Creek - a must, the most balling winery we likely have in BC if not Canada in terms of the venue

Black Hills - traditionally a top tier winery with their Note Bene, a bit overrated but it’s still a higher quality winery than 95% of what’s out there

Stop for Lunch at the Restaurant attached to Tin Horn, Miadoro, Italian with a great food, fantastic value and a killer patio for lunch

Continue on to Le Vieux Pin (my personal favorite and considered by many to be the best winery in BC)

From Le Vieux Pin you can then go to the Wine Village, for those not familiar this wine village is on the native land next to Jackson triggs and the federal penetentiary. This wine village hosts up to 10 wineries at a time in little houses you go in and do a tasting. It’s very easy to get lit AF here so if you are already feeling it probably carry on, or just have a look and do a single tasting.

From here it’s a bit of a drive back to Penticton, so you can break it up and go to Blasted Church, which is in between your next destination.

The final winery I’d suggest is Painted Rock. They’ve been in the news a lot lately crying about grapes dieing and Alberta not taking their wine but they are also a legitimate contender for best wine. A fucking beautiful spot to end at they do extensive tastings with cheese plates etc. I really like painted rock and some of their vintages are top notch.

Honorable mention to Naramata in general, Naramata is not as exciting as my itinerary listed above but the Naramata inn is a 10/10 dining for lunch or dinner, and Kettle Valley Railway winery always has a spot for me as they consistently punch above their weight in terms of the wine they produce, especially some of their desert wines mimicking French Sauternes etc.

Miadoro patio and, under that pile of freshly grated parm, one of the best meatball sandwhiches you’ll find lol

https://i.imgur.com/EkTFQMz.jpeg

https://i.imgur.com/PiVUOek.jpeg

View from phantom creek tasting patio

https://i.imgur.com/vY0bO25.jpeg

Nice spot for a tasting in the shade of the Le Vieux pin building

https://i.imgur.com/YndIMqk.jpeg

End it at painted rock looking down at Skaha lake and back at Penticton

https://i.imgur.com/V0aAjj7.jpeg

[immorality]

Can confirm that the above recommendations are excellent. Phantom Creek is amazing, and I'd add Van Westen vineywards, Lock & Worth for the cheese and La Petite Abeille for ciders. They are all in Naramata.

[Badhobz]

Sweet ! Thanks Honda, this is pretty amazing

[Hondaracer]

Can confirm that the above recommendations are excellent. Phantom Creek is amazing, and I'd add Van Westen vineywards, Lock & Worth for the cheese and La Petite Abeille for ciders. They are all in Naramata.

Abandoned rail brewing is also cool in Naramata

[Great68]

I always wanted to check out this place, north of Tofino

https://clayoquotwildernesslodge.com/

$4300/night in the peak season. Yowza!

[underscore]

$4300/tent/night x 25 tents = $107,500/night if they're fully booked?

Clearly I'm working in the wrong industry.

[6793026]

le vieux pin was great, met the owners once a few years back and they were just nice people to chat with.

[hud 91gt]

Camping in the wilderness, cold water dips. It’s almost like those jobless hippies that found happiness in peace were up to something. Lol! Or spend your entire month working so you can afford a single night of happiness.

[HonestTea]

$4300/tent/night x 25 tents = $107,500/night if they're fully booked?

Clearly I'm working in the wrong industry.

That's insane how much it costs per night..

[Great68]

Well, on the other hand it's in a completely remote & off grid location only accessible by boat or seaplane (I can't imagine that's cheap to run to begin with).

It's all-inclusive, including the activites such as horse riding, archery, offshore fishing etc

It's also only open May-Sept, so they have to make all their money for the year in 5 months

[twitchyzero]

seems like a pretty risky venture even if it's a small aussie chain backed by us investors

[CivicBlues]

Jesus christ for $5k you can spend a week at a luxury eco-resort for a week and pretend to be a dirty hippie while wearing next to nothing in a tropical country.

Or freeze your butt off/inhale wildlife smoke for the same price for 1 night.

[noclue]

You guys should see the prices of the fishing lodges in haida gwaii. They contract WestJet and Helijet to bring customers to them. Which is $$$$$$$

https://www.peregrinelodge.com/
https://www.queencharlottelodge.com/

[HonestTea]

It's cheaper to stay in a OW Bungalow in the Maldives lol

[underscore]

Some of the extra activities sounds pretty unique but they cost extra on top. $4k to have a heli take you to a fishing lake for half the day.

It's only 25k from Tofino so not obscenely remote. The price is probably at least a bit inflated because they're targeting people rich enough that they don't really care about the price and to them the cost is more of a feature/bragging point. I'm also guessing a pleb like me wouldn't properly appreciate the food or the spa stuff lol.

Retallack cat skiing is a similarly very expensive, very fancy experience. Again I'm too much of a pleb for that, even if I could afford it. https://www.retallack.com/catskiing/#packages

[Great68]

I think you underestimate the challenges of water access only areas on the west coast. If the weather's bad, it's practically inaccessible.

[underscore]

Isn't that the same for anywhere around there, like all the places along the coast of the mainland or the southern gulf islands? Presumably they have enough supplies on hand that they can delay deliveries by a few days if the weather is bad and it's not going to be bad all the time.

[Hondaracer]

You could do 3-5 days at west coast fishing club for similar, if not cheaper.

seems like it’s just one of those rich person things where you run out of things to do so create some stupid exclusive BS as a price point that is out of reach of your average pleb

[Great68]

I mean a fishing lodge which the primary purpose is fishing is a different than a 5 star luxury resort that just offers fishing as an activity (amongst horseback riding etc)... They are different things. Yes this is absolutely for filthy rich glam people, not your average fishing bro.

[Hondaracer]

West coast fishing club is baller AF offering id say comparable amenities, even more remote for a more reasonable price. Yes its only fishing but what they offer is pretty crazy

[Great68]

Exactly, the clayoquote appeals to a broader audience. I guarantee more women would rather go there, unless they're actually into fishing as a primary activity, which is kind of few and far between.

[SkunkWorks]

Don't have significant plans yet but recently snagged this so will definitely be putting on the miles this summer.

https://scontent.fcxh3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/429658319_10160096425564353_3733112843026856978_n. jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=a73e89&_nc_ohc=9zGuAuDqCoAAX9-py6F&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh3-1.fna&cb_e2o_trans=t&oh=00_AfBO4TIue5NQUd4xjxz5GMobE6pDAERVlj2tciIYdHgp Ww&oe=65E4F7D1

[68style]

Niiiiice... perfect type of vehicle for the task

Worst challenge will be keeping up a head of steam uphill on the highway lol

[SkunkWorks]

Niiiiice... perfect type of vehicle for the task

Worst challenge will be keeping up a head of steam uphill on the highway lol

It's got a K20 so hopefully not too bad...? It's one of the reasons why I went with this over an equivalent camper Hiace

Calling fliptuner now for manuel swap and mods :lol

[Badhobz]

Did you clean all the JDM cum out of it ?

[underscore]

Exactly, the clayoquote appeals to a broader audience. I guarantee more women would rather go there, unless they're actually into fishing as a primary activity, which is kind of few and far between.

Good point. "We're going to a luxury retreat" is an easier sell than "I'm going on a fishing trip" for a lot of people.

[GS8]

I went to Banff during the family day long weekend. It was super packed but honestly, it was still nice. I'm not really a people person but seeing Banff quiet and desolate just doesn't make sense. It's hip and vibrant (and expensive). I had some good pizza and wine while I was there before zipping off to a log cabin chalet I was staying at near castle mountain.

There's also the Johnstone Canyon trail which features a trail to a lower waterfall and a more challenging (moderate) trail to an upper fall. It's really nice even during the deep freeze (just watch your step).

Afterwards I drove to Norquay mountain to see what's up and the powder there was pretty weak (much like Whistler at the time).

HWY 1A is the scenic road to stop almost anywhere and snap photos and enjoy the remoteness.

I've never been to Emerald Lake but want to go when I have more time. It's getting up there in popularity with Lakes Louise & Moraine. Prepare to listen to United Nations level of multiculturalism when you're at any of the places I mentioned.

~ GS8 - You future Alberta tourguide

[Badhobz]

^awww come on bro, no pics of all that!? you take great photos!!!

[RabidRat]

Don't have significant plans yet but recently snagged this so will definitely be putting on the miles this summer.


https://scontent.fcxh3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/429658319_10160096425564353_3733112843026856978_n. jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=a73e89&_nc_ohc=9zGuAuDqCoAAX9-py6F&_nc_ht=scontent.fcxh3-1.fna&cb_e2o_trans=t&oh=00_AfBO4TIue5NQUd4xjxz5GMobE6pDAERVlj2tciIYdHgp Ww&oe=65E4F7D1

Why is stuff like this never sold in NA?!

Btw is the pop-top stock, or does it have to be a conversion?
https://newatlas.com/automotive/white-house-deck-one-honda-mini-camper/

[Badhobz]

^ Omg me wanty so bad.

[underscore]

People custom build stuff like that pretty often. Grab a van, RTT and some glamping gear to put in the back and you're there.

[GS8]

^awww come on bro, no pics of all that!? you take great photos!!!

My photo processing process is slow. I didn't take any at the Canyon because of the slippery conditions but I took some of the chalet which I can post later.

Here's a few for now, revolving around the rental car I had.

https://i.imgur.com/nKXbQZM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/aLO15nX.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/pAhamLb.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/38WOGsQ.jpg

[Badhobz]

Okay between you and Donk, and some of the other master photographers on here, i think we can put together a RS calendar of beautiful shots and sell it for money.

[RabidRat]

My photo processing process is slow. I didn't take any at the Canyon because of the slippery conditions but I took some of the chalet which I can post later.

Here's a few for now, revolving around the rental car I had.

https://i.imgur.com/pAhamLb.jpg



Shit. The colors! You have me wanting to buy an Escape.

[fsy82]

I really want to take my kids through Banff/Jasper this year. Is canmore a good stopping point for the night before heading to Banff. I plan on going to Calgary from there to Drumheller for the Dino stuff. Any other suggestions?

[Hehe]

I really want to take my kids through Banff/Jasper this year. Is canmore a good stopping point for the night before heading to Banff. I plan on going to Calgary from there to Drumheller for the Dino stuff. Any other suggestions?

Going from Vancouver, Canmore is after Banff/Jasper and right before you arrive in Calgary.

There are a lot of great outdoor activities that make a stop in Canmore worthwhile. Nevertheless, depending on when you are going, Canmore can be quite expensive.

What I'd suggest is, if Lake Louise is on the map, stay at Chateau LL for one night after you come from Jasper. It's pricey, sure. But I think staying there is an indulgence that one should do once in a lifetime. Especially when there are ways to get it relatively cheap.

After that, check what you want to see in Banff/Canmore, and this can be a 1-day thing unless you are really into outdoor stuff as there are many trails and stuff to do. Then just head into Calgary at the end of the day. I find hotel rates in Calgary to be quite cheaper than Banff/Canmore in the summer peak season.

[GLOW]

in calgary i recommend their zoo. it's quite nice comparable to Seattle's, but better layout, sorted by continent. when you say drumheller i'm not sure if you mean the bad lands, but i'd avoid that trip as to me it's just rock formations, i think time is better spent at the Royal Tyrrell Museum for dino stuff

[GS8]

Shit. The colors! You have me wanting to buy an Escape.

For me, it's the perfect size. The freezing temps would cause false positive readouts on the some of the safety systems but otherwise, it was great for my needs. I've rented SUVs of all shapes and sizes and the Escape was surprisingly good for what it's meant for.

On the subject of Canmore: Yes you want to go there. It's Banff's child, basically and has that kind of Swiss Alp town vibe. I stopped there on my last trip. Like every other town in Banff National, things are pricey and touristy but that adds to the ambience. You will not live there so just enjoy what it has to offer. Lots of food choices. I stopped by a recommended coffee shop called "Beamers". They have 2 locations there and it's really good. Colombian owned. Not just the coffee I mean! Really quaint atmosphere and friendly staff.

They have some great bakeries too. Get some treats for the kids and they'll be high on enough sugar to enjoy the town with mom & dad. Then head over to Banff or Lake Minnewanka afterward to burn off some calories!

[Badhobz]

Beamers ? You know they wanted to call it beaners but didn’t wanna be racist. Lousy beaners

[mb_]

Last year i did a fun little drive from Vancouver to SF along the coastin early may. I had a great time by myself with the SC430 so this year im looking to do something similar again

Destinations suggestions?

I was thinking maybe Banff or Jasper w/ a follow up to Calgary

That or maybe a trip down south again, but going to Montana via Spokane (never been that direction before)

You guys planning any big drives?

May have 6 days off during the Victoria Day long weekend due to how my schedule works, thinking about going down PCH to Big Sur :considered: would only really stop driving to sleep/eat/lookouts and not much touristy stuff.

If not that then doing a loop through Montana/Idaho/Wyoming may be an option.

[immorality]

May have 6 days off during the Victoria Day long weekend due to how my schedule works, thinking about going down PCH to Big Sur :considered: would only really stop driving to sleep/eat/lookouts and not much touristy stuff.

Be sure to check road conditions in that area. It's notorious for landslides that close the road for days or weeks at a time.

[Badhobz]

Big sur part is closed. Land slide. Not opening till September I heard.

[BIC_BAWS]

Big sur part is closed. Land slide. Not opening till September I heard.

Correct. I've cancelled my plans for the drive. No point doing it if the best part is closed LOL

[Badhobz]

But the drive down to SF is already muy muy magico. Do it !!!!

[immorality]

But the drive down to SF is already muy muy magico. Do it !!!!

For sure. You could do the Oregon coast down and through the Redwood forest.

[mb_]

Big sur part is closed. Land slide. Not opening till September I heard.

:fuuuuu:

I'll probably just do Highway 101 through Washington, Oregon and NorCal to Bay Area then call it a trip if I go ahead with it.

I thought about going through the interior and stay "local" but I did that drive last year.

[Badhobz]

Go to Monterey CA. It’s car Mecca

[twitchyzero]

might finally try inside passage to haida gwaii (a minimum of 4 ferries tho), heard the road from prince rupert to smithers is great

it all depends if the new airbnb rule make intraprovincial staycation costly as fuck, looks like it's already trending that way

[TOS'd]

What's a potential itinerary for a 1 or 2 night trip down the Oregon coast? Places to stop/eat/stay?

[Badhobz]

Id go...

1) Long Beach Washington
- you can drive on the beach!!! just dont go into the really soft stuff and get high sided like i did with my golf sportwagen
- enjoy some good seafood in the little beach community
- fly a kite? take in that vast ocean and go for a nice long walk

2) Astoria Oregon
- the bridge that connects Long Beach to Astoria is beautiful. Great drive and very neat bridge overall.
- Astoria is a cute little place with lots of interesting hertiage. Go up to the top of the hill to get a good outlook on the city

3) wreck of the peter iredale
https://maps.app.goo.gl/n7bWR7GtLStziTEr6
- not far from Astoria, an interesting ship wreck. great for photos

4) Seaside Oregon
- stop here for lunch, walk along the prominade and check out the cool little shops

5) cannon beach
- a must visit, gorgeous haystack rocks
- grab mo's clam chowder while you are there

6) Tillamook
- they have a cheese factory / ice cream factory tour

7) Just keep driving south along that highway and stop when you are tired. THere's a ton of gorgeous lighthouses that are very picturesque.

8) Newport Oregon
- i usually start off the 2nd day or 3rd day in newport.
- The aquarium is pretty sweet along with the "pirates village"

9) keep going south and you'll hit florence, and the Oregon Dunes
- go for a dune buggy ride. you'll see signs all along the highway

10) gold beach is gorgeous if you get there around sunset

11) go to cali and take the Avenue of the giants scenic drive. Its insane! dont miss this one

12) keep going along the coast till you hit san fran. You'll see some beautiful scenary.

13) san fran is where id usually call it, but if you still got some spunk in you, head down towards Monterey CA. Lots of auto museums and where pebble beach is held every year
Marin County has a crazy looking civic building. Its where Gattaca was filmed (my favorite movie) and it was last project of Frank Lloyd Wright.

then just grab some El Pollo Loco and straight shot it back to vancouver on the i5. I did that last year in the sc430 all within 3 days. I left SF at 11am and got back to Vancouver at 3:30am

[6793026]

Yup, Badhobz is right... tillamook, oregon coast.. and after the 1/2 days.. of beachs.. you'll get bored.. hop of I5 home before you hit up outlets and costco / trader joe...

https://www.photopilot.com/media/images/Hearst-Castle_MG_0688.2e16d0ba.fill-1800x1200.jpg

best road trip ever done was visiting Hearst castle. the tour was amazing... (it will require you to go down to cali)

Hearst Castle @ Central Coast of California. Built 1919 and 1947. Today, Hearst Castle is a museum open to the public & a registered as a National Historic Landmark.

[Badhobz]

The US has so many interesting things to see. That’s like that museum in Malibu… uhhh Getty museum ? Basically a rich guys house turned into a museum.

I always wanted to go see the Winchester house. Apparently the nutbag wife of the gun nut built this sprawling mansion that was always under construction to appease the spirits killed by her husbands guns.

[twitchyzero]

damn still haven't done the getty or even petersen

i thought hearst was alright, winchester is pretty sweet

[6793026]

winchester is a "house" (24,000 square feet · 10,000 windows · 2,000 doors · 160 rooms · 52 skylights · 47 stairways and fireplaces · 17 chimneys · 13 bathrooms)

Hearst has 40,000-acre - 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways.

We chose hearst cause it was just along the coast... i was lucky enough to see a zebra at hearst (as it was imported during the days)

[Badhobz]

Ya’ll should do that Oregon coast trip / norcal coast trip. I love it! I think I’ve done it at least 10 times

[mikemhg]

Ya’ll should do that Oregon coast trip / norcal coast trip. I love it! I think I’ve done it at least 10 times

10 times eh... Gary Ridgway?

[bcrdukes]

I had to Google that. Oh my... :inoutugh::pokerface:

[mikemhg]

I just found it interesting he's done that trip so many times solo..

[68style]

This explains why he rejected me when I asked if I could go last time... didn't want any witnesses and I guess he couldn't bring himself to murder me... yet.

[bcrdukes]

Good call on moving to Calgary. :pokerface:

Edit: I hope he doesn't know where you live. :suspicious: :inoutugh: :peek:

[Badhobz]

I just found it interesting he's done that trip so many times solo..

Twice on motorcycle. Rest via cars. I try and go every year

Spy balloon hates road trips and I hate dealing with other peoples “bathroom” requirements or choice in music or talking… or their face in general. :rukidding:

[roastpuff]

Thanks for the itinerary Hobz, I may go do it some time soon before it gets too busy.

[68style]

Twice on motorcycle. Rest via cars. I try and go every year

Spy balloon hates road trips and I hate dealing with other peoples “bathroom” requirements or choice in music or talking… or their face in general. :rukidding:

You sat on a bike for that many miles in a short amount of days?! Jesus.

I'm gonna reuse this gif from our chat:

https://media1.tenor.com/m/zL0qWuN5ME0AAAAd/homer-simpson.gif

[Badhobz]

Thanks for the itinerary Hobz, I may go do it some time soon before it gets too busy.

Go my brother. You will love it. Your wife is nice, I’m sure she would be a great road trip partner.

[68style]

:suspicious: is Badhobz trying to take roastpuff's wife on a roadtrip?

[xxxrsxxx]

last minute trip to seattle/bellevue for the weekend, any food/restaurant recommendations?